Category: Lahore

Lahore: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal has said that addressing Pakistan's dual challenges of economic stability and climate change requires a strategic, coordinated, and results-oriented approach aligned with 'URAAN' Pakistan - National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029.

In a telephonic conversation with senior trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the plan's focus on strengthening industry-academia linkages, modernizing the economy, and promoting environmental sustainability to ensure long-term national prosperity. He stressed that bridging the gap between academia and the private sector was essential for fostering innovation, technological advancement, and skill development, which were key to industrial productivity and global competitiveness.

The planning minister reiterated his ministry's commitment to policy reforms, research incentives, and institutional partnerships to facilitate this collaboration. He also praised Iftikhar Ali Malik's contributions to the business community, acknowledging his pivotal role in driving industrialization and supporting Pakistan's economic and environmental resilience.

He expressed his appreciation for Iftikhar Ali Malik's thoughtful proposals, acknowledging his leadership in the business and industrial sectors as a driving force behind Pakistan's journey toward self-reliance. He added that he looked forward to collaborating closely with him and other stakeholders to implement progressive policies that foster national growth and sustainability.

Iftikhar Ali Malik thanked Prof. Ahsan Iqbal for his recognition and assured his full support in advancing Pakistan's economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Lahore: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza led the Pakistan Day celebrations with a grand flag-hoisting ceremony at Town Hall, followed by a rally symbolizing national unity and patriotism.

The event witnessed significant participation from government officials, dignitaries, and citizens.

The celebrations began at Town Hall, where DC Lahore, along with Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Shahid Abbas Kathia, hoisted the national flag while the national anthem echoed in the background.

A large number of people, including students, government officials, and members of civil society, attended the ceremony, displaying their love for the country.

Following the flag-hoisting, a rally was taken out from Town Hall to Istanbul Chowk. DC Lahore led the march, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Headquarters) Muhammad Jafar Chaudhry, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Shojain Vistro, and other officials. Citizens from various walks of life enthusiastically joined the rally, waving national flags and chanting patriotic slogans.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Syed Musa Raza praised the spirit and enthusiasm of the participants. He highlighted the significance of Pakistan Day as a symbol of national unity and reminded everyone of the sacrifices made for the country's independence. He urged all citizens to work together for Pakistan's progress and prosperity.

'Pakistan Day is a reminder that our strength lies in unity. We must set aside our differences and contribute to the development of our nation. The participation of people from all backgrounds in today's rally reflects our collective commitment to Pakistan's progress,' he said.

The rally concluded peacefully at Istanbul Chowk, with citizens expressing their dedication to building a stronger, prosperous Pakistan. The event successfully reinforced the spirit of nationalism and the importance of working together for a better future.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the tragic killing of four labourers in Kalat Mangchar.

Strongly condemning the incident, the CM extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and shared their grief in this moment of profound loss.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a special Eid initiative to share the joy of the festive occasion with special children across the province.

The CM directed Special Assistant to the Chief Minister (SACM) on Special Education Sania Ashiq to personally oversee the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Eid Gift Campaign for Special Children.

As part of the campaign, SACM Sania Ashiq Saturday visited several special education institutions, including Government Degree College for Special Education (Johar Town), Government Shadab Institute of Special Education, and Government Degree College for Special Education (Nishtar Town). She distributed Eid gifts and greeting cards to the students on behalf of CM Maryam Nawaz.

Following the Chief Minister's directive, Sania Ashiq personally visited classrooms, handing out gifts and reading a special Eid Mubarak message from CM Maryam Nawaz. She stated, 'Eid gifts are being distributed to special students in all districts of Punjab.' She further vowed that the initiative aims to reach 40,000 special children before the Eid holidays.

The children expressed their joy upon receiving the gifts, thanking CM Maryam Nawaz in their own heartfelt way.

CM Maryam Nawaz said, 'It is a great joy to see special children happy.' She also announced that new and innovative projects for special children would soon be introduced in Punjab.

On this occasion, SACM Sania Ashiq also planted a sapling in the lawn of the Special Education College.

Lahore: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted 166 intelligence-based operations in different cities of Punjab and arrested 11 terrorists. The CTD spokesperson said on Saturday that operations were carried out in Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Pakpattan, Gujrat, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Faisalabad. He said a dangerous Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist was arrested from Mianwali, along with explosives. The CTD officials recovered explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs, two detonators, 19 safety fuses, 26 feet of wire, pamphlets, cash and prime cards from other terrorists. The terrorists were identified as Haider Sultan, Wali Rehman, Zubair, Amin, Akbar, Maqsood Khan, Umair, Zafar Iqbal, Ibrahim Qasmi, Mohibullah, and Saddam Hussain. During 1,475 combing operations this week, 422 suspects were arrested, added the spokesman. The CTD officials say that 61,603 people were questioned in combing operations, as the department was pursuing the goal of a safe Punjab.

Lahore: At least 10 people were killed and 1,639 others injured in 1,386 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours. As many as 739 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 900 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The data analysis showed that 919 drivers, 68 underage drivers, 181 pedestrians, and 549 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics showed that 279 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 340 persons placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 102 accidents and 125 victims, and at third Gujranwala with 79 accidents and 85 victims.

According to the data, 1,374 motorbikes, 85 auto-rickshaws, 140 motorcars, 32 vans, 10 passenger buses, 34 truck and 92 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in these road traffic accidents.